Tacoma Link celebrates ten years and 9.4 million riders

Sound Transit celebrated 10 years of light-rail service on its Tacoma Link August 21.

"Today marks an exciting milestone in the evolution of light-rail service in Pierce County," said Sound Transit Board Chair and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. "Tacoma Link's growing popularity demonstrates the need to invest in more transit. As we celebrate our success to date, we are working on plans to extend the service deeper into our vibrant city."

Ridership on the popular line hit one million last year, with planning underway to expand the route to the Stadium District, Martin Luther King Way, Jr. and Hilltop neighborhoods. The service has carried more than 9.4 million riders since it opened to the public on August 22, 2003.

"In its decade of serving the transit needs of commuters, residents and visitors, Tacoma Link has become integral to the way people work, live and play downtown," said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. "The potential to bring this well-used service to more transit-dependent populations by expanding the line northwest from downtown will take strong partnerships. The city of Tacoma stands ready to work with Sound Transit to secure the additional funding needed to complete the expansion."